VA awards $1M for specialized security system maintenance, requiring MA security licenses

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,000 ($10.0K)

Contractor: BAY State Alarm Security, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-09-12

End Date: 2027-09-11

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SERVICE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR SECURITY SYSTEM WHICH DOES NOT UTILIZE STANDARD COMPUTER SERVER HARDWARE. TECHNICIANS PERFORMING WORK UNDER THIS CONTRACT SHALL POSSESS A CURRENT MASSACHUSETTS "S" SECURITY LICENSE.

Place of Performance

Location: MARLBOROUGH, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01752

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $10,000 to BAY STATE ALARM SECURITY, INC for work described as: SERVICE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR SECURITY SYSTEM WHICH DOES NOT UTILIZE STANDARD COMPUTER SERVER HARDWARE. TECHNICIANS PERFORMING WORK UNDER THIS CONTRACT SHALL POSSESS A CURRENT MASSACHUSETTS "S" SECURITY LICENSE. Key points: 1. Specialized security system maintenance contract awarded to Bay State Alarm Security. 2. Requires specific Massachusetts 'S' security license for technicians. 3. Contract is a firm fixed price, definitive contract with a 2-year term. 4. No small business set-aside noted.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1M over two years for specialized security system maintenance appears reasonable given the niche requirements. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific details on the system's complexity and the scope of services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under SAP, suggesting it may have been awarded through other limited sources. The lack of broad competition could potentially lead to higher prices than if it were more widely solicited.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized security maintenance. The limited competition raises questions about whether the best possible price was secured.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of a critical security system for the VA. Supports specialized security services requiring licensed technicians. Potential for higher costs due to limited competition.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Niche service requirement

Positive Signals

Clear contract term and pricing
Specific licensing ensures qualified personnel

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Security Systems Services. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on the complexity and scale of the security infrastructure required by federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if this was an oversight or if no small businesses were capable of meeting the specialized requirements.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight. The contract's specific requirements and the need for licensed technicians suggest a need for diligent monitoring to ensure compliance and service quality.

Related Government Programs

Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for overpayment due to limited competition.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical security system maintenance.
Risk of service disruption if the contractor fails to maintain licensing or operational standards.
Lack of transparency regarding the specific technology and its maintenance needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $10,000 to BAY STATE ALARM SECURITY, INC. SERVICE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR SECURITY SYSTEM WHICH DOES NOT UTILIZE STANDARD COMPUTER SERVER HARDWARE. TECHNICIANS PERFORMING WORK UNDER THIS CONTRACT SHALL POSSESS A CURRENT MASSACHUSETTS "S" SECURITY LICENSE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAY STATE ALARM SECURITY, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-12. End: 2027-09-11.

What is the specific type of security system being maintained, and why does it not utilize standard server hardware?

The specific type of security system is not detailed in the provided data. The mention of not utilizing standard computer server hardware suggests a proprietary or highly specialized system, possibly with unique integration or operational requirements. Understanding this uniqueness is key to justifying the specialized maintenance and licensing.

What is the justification for not competing this contract more broadly, especially under SAP?

The justification for limited competition likely stems from the specialized nature of the security system and the mandatory requirement for technicians to hold a Massachusetts 'S' security license. These specific prerequisites may significantly narrow the pool of eligible contractors, potentially making full and open competition impractical or inefficient.

How does the 'S' security license requirement impact the cost and availability of qualified technicians?

The requirement for a Massachusetts 'S' security license likely increases the cost of labor, as technicians with this specific certification may be in higher demand or command premium wages. It also narrows the pool of potential service providers, potentially limiting competition and impacting the overall price discovery process for this contract.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C10X25Q0109

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 462 PLEASANT ST, MARLBOROUGH, MA, 01752

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,600

Exercised Options: $10,000

Current Obligation: $10,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline